New EP from Steel & Velvet

From the coasts of Brittany, Steel & Velvet have been making a worthwhile and considered impression within France’s folk rock sphere. The group, founded in 2021 by vocalist Johann Le Roux and guitarist Romuald Ballet-Baz, began as a meeting of kindred spirits; two classically trained musicians with a shared love for the honesty of acoustic sound. Later joined by guitarist Jean-Alain Larreur, whose origins lie in a more bluesy side of rock, the trio found balance between structure and soul. Their music is built on simplicity, with acoustic guitars, heartfelt vocals and a reverence for the traditions of folk and rock.

Their early output echoed the spirit of Johnny Cash’s American Recordings, intimate, minimalist and emotionally compelling. Most of their repertoire pays homage to the great North American storytellers of folk, rock and grunge, artists whose words and melodies carry the context of poignant songwriting. The group made their recorded debut in 2022 with the single “Poppy Field”, marking the beginning of their journey as songwriters. The following year, they released Waiting for Some Warmth, a profoundly personal four-track EP dedicated to Mark Lanegan. Its sparse arrangements and brooding tone captured the essence of Mark’s world, all shadow and soul while confirming the trio’s mission for seeking sincerity over spectacle.

Their live performances often take place in venues that allow Johann to sing unamplified, his voice carrying naturally through the room. It’s a deliberate choice that brings audience and artist closer together, blurring the line between performance and presence. This pursuit of intimacy extends beyond the stage, with the group working closely with Brest-based photographer and videographer Loïc Moyou, whose visual work mirrors the band’s stark and soulful aesthetic.

Now, Steel & Velvet return with their most ambitious project yet, their brand new sophomore EP titled People Just Float. It’s a multimedia work that brings together music and film, presenting a six-track record alongside a short film directed by Loïc. Together, they tell the story of Joshua, a reclusive man living in a forest cabin who encounters a frightened woman, a meeting that unravels into a quietly cinematic exploration of solitude, fear and connection.

The songs selected for the project feature reinterpretations of music penned by the likes of Robbie Basho, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Pixies, Nirvana, Peter Ivers and David Lynch. First up, “Orphan’s Lament” arrives with bright acoustic guitar plucks as Johann’s rich, subtly operatic voice glides in to carry the timeless melodies and heartfelt lyrics, casting an charming folk music experience that reframes the enduring composition Steel & Velvet’s own vision. The song comes with the first instalment of the visual series, delivering a cinematic period tale captured in a monochrome setting.

“Ring of Fire” presents a stunning interpretation of the beloved classic, brought to life by the playful twang of bouncy guitars and expressive vocal performance. As the familiar melodies and memorable lyrics float above the intimate yet lively arrangement, Steel & Velvet pay tribute to an all time classic, reimagined in an engaging way that pays respect to the original composition. The song’s brand new video continues Joshua’s tale, offering the next pice of Steel & Velvet’s spectacular collaboration with Loïc Moyou.

With “Man in the Long Black Coat,” the band leans into a melancholic scene where the mellow lilting sway of plucked guitar notes and emotive vocals combine to deliver a gripping version of Bob Dylan’s outing. “Silver” sees Johann engage in a balletic duet with his daughter Jade, with the two singers spinning delicate lines that contrast and compliment each other in epic fashion to craft a mesmeric listening experience.

Their take on Curt Kirkwood’s “Lake of Fire” brings a laid back bluesy folk groove where flickering lead guitar notes and the low slung strums of rhythm form a superb backdrop for Johann’s engrossing vocal work. Closing the EP with “In Heaven,” the elegant flutter of guitar notes gently tumble to form a graceful soundscape as Jade once again delivers her airy and utterly spellbinding vocal leads to offer another magical musical moment that expands Steel & Velvet’s sound in enchanting ways. With more visual releases coming every two weeks, Steel & Velvet are delivering an enthralling work of modern folk music that’s thoroughly worth following along.

Listen to People Just Float below